Extending a Legacy – BTT-Balmerino Residence by Studio Griffiths

Emulating a traditional London terrace, BTT-Balmerino Residence captures a contemporary interpretation of the past and integrates crafted and attuned detailing throughout. Studio Griffiths emphasises the scale of the structure through a careful curation of the comprising parts, creating opportunities for both retreat and connection within.

Located in Toorak, in Melbourne’s south-east, BTT-Balmerino Residence is the reworking and restoration of an existing period house. Extending its relevancy, the approach focuses on bringing in sunlight and optimising outward-flowing movement. Guided by an inspiration of the London townhouse typology, the designer celebrates the handmade with beautifully considered junctions throughout. Ornate and detailed, bringing this sensibility into the additional spaces was key. A combination of old and new, the resulting home feels like a consistent extension of the past yet also freshly modernised. Studio Griffiths has also transformed the aged palette through a new, muted selection of finishes and materials that aim to breathe new life into the dwelling.

A combination of old and new, the resulting home feels like a consistent extension of the past yet also freshly modernised.

Opting for a monochromatic base throughout, signature grey tones are mixed with expressive natural stone. Together with defined black openings, the entire residence is brought forward. Throughout, functional spaces effortlessly facilitate the needs of family life, embedding an element of flexibility and adaptability for years to come. Whilst the formality of the original home remains, with clearly defined rooms allowing for moments of retreat, the newly formed living, dining and kitchen spaces encourage togetherness. The new addition also enhances the connection between inside and out, with large glazing providing clear sightlines to the lush landscape outside.

Steel and glass doors add a handcrafted element to the new addition and allow one to seamlessly transition to outdoor areas, elevating everyday moments of the home. Across the multiple levels – from the basement to the upper floors – each space has been revived. Embedded with heightened materiality and texture, the considered approach to tone and depth of colour aims to match and emphasise the functions of each room. Whilst darker spaces encourage moments of pause and immersion, lighter spaces inspire more activity.

Whilst the formality of the original home remains, with clearly defined rooms allowing for moments of retreat, the newly formed living, dining and kitchen spaces encourage togetherness.

Through a refined approach, BTT-Balmerino Residence is reshaped into a contemporary family dwelling with consideration for its past. By looking forward, Studio Griffiths ensures a resounding and continuing relevance for the home.